Constitutional Constraints on the Performance of Local Governments in Rural Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines how the local government, the closest to the grassroots, can be strengthened to accelerate rural development in Nigeria. Rural  development, the hoped for benefit of constitutional devolution, is increasingly becoming difficult. This paper examines the provisions of the 1999  Constitution to identify how they impede the capacity of the local government to expedite rural development. With the aid of relevant secondary data, the  paper uses a descriptive analytical method, with a development (modernisation) theoretical framework, to assess various provisions of the  constitution in respect of the establishment, structure, and operations of the local government. The finding reveals that various constitutional provisions  hinder the local government's ability to develop the grassroots. The paper suggests reform of the 1999 Constitution, improvement in local government  IGR, and effective community participation in rural development administration.